Fall 2009

From The President

Is it crazy to launch a major campaign in the current economy? Last month I was asked a similar question by a reporter for The Chronicle of Philanthropy, the national newspaper for nonprofits. My response was that the economy is spurring nonprofit leaders to get back to the basics of fundraising - creating a compelling, strategic, targeted campaign that will attract donors who are being extra careful with their charitable dollars. For a good example, see the “crazy” success story below about Schooner Virginia.

Keep in mind, too, that after the economy recovers, a lot of nonprofits will launch major campaigns. You’ll be ahead of the game if you use this time to start your campaign planning process: training your board, conducting a Feasibility Study, cultivating relationships. In fact, this is an ideal time for board members to get comfortable telling your story to potential donors without asking for a gift.

Thanks for reading. If we can help you in any way, please get in touch.

W. Keith Curtis, President

National Expert Will Speak on National Philanthropy Day

By Wesley Stanley, Marketing Director & Campaign Consultant

With The Curtis Group’s 20th anniversary coming to a close, there’s no better time for a final celebration than National Philanthropy Day on November 12. This year we’ll again participate in AFP Hamptons Roads’ annual National Philanthropy Day event. And to express our gratitude for 20 years of work we love, we’re sponsoring a speaker who is nationally recognized as an expert on charitable giving and philanthropy. He also leads the country’s foremost academic center dedicated to increasing the understanding of philanthropy and improving its practice worldwide. 

We’re delighted to announce that Patrick Rooney, executive director of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s National Philanthropy Day luncheon. As a Giving Institute member and through our involvement in Giving USA, we’ve met Patrick, heard him speak on numerous occasions, and feel confident that he’ll be a wonderful addition to the event.

As a yearly sponsor of the AFP chapter’s monthly lunch program, and with our vice president, Wendy McGrady, serving as the chapter’s president-elect, The Curtis Group stands behind the chapter’s valuable initiatives and programs. Bringing Patrick Rooney to Hampton Roads on this important day is one more way we can show our support. For more details on National Philanthropy Day, please visit AFP Hampton Roads.

Client Success Story: Schooner Virginia

By Wendy McGrady, Vice President

Other folks may have thought they were crazy. But the board of Schooner Virginia knew that if they did it right, their major campaign to match a challenge gift would be successful, even in this economy. After our Feasibility Study found that the nonprofit could raise $1.2 to $1.4 million, primarily to fund its youth education programs, the board launched the campaign last February.

So they refined their case statement and started telling their story out in the community. The result? As of press time, more than $800,000 had been raised, putting the campaign well ahead of schedule.

“After only seven months of a five-year campaign,” says Jonathan Gorog, board member and former executive director, “we are more than halfway to our goal. I attribute this marvelous success to The Curtis Group’s strategic planning, and Keith and Wendy’s experience and insight that guide us in a manner that’s not necessarily intuitive. I have to admit, my thinking has been somewhat shortsighted, Keith and Wendy are helping us focus on the long haul, and that’s paying off in ways we could never have imagined.”

Nonprofit News

• We’re delighted to announce that two clients recently achieved their campaign goals in this challenging economy. Bedford Hospice House has reached its $1.6 million goal and will break ground on a much-needed hospice facility in Bedford, Virginia, later this year. And Lackey Free Clinic of Yorktown has exceeded its $1.5 million minimum goal for its Capital and Endowment Campaign. We are especially proud of each of these clients after having seen both through a Feasibility Study and serving as their Campaign counsel.
• This past summer, Oasis Social Ministry of Portsmouth received a handful of impressive gifts to its Capital Campaign, including a $100,000 grant from the Beazley Foundation, a $100,000 grant from Landmark Communications Foundation, an individual gift of $100,000, and an additional $50,000 from Bob Williams of Tri-City Developers, LLC, who increased his pledge from $50,000 to $100,000.  Oasis’ $1.8 million campaign will fund a new building in downtown Portsmouth that will expand the ministry’s services to the city’s homeless and low-income populations. The Curtis Group is assisting Oasis in its campaign.
• In August, The Curtis Group launched two social networking initiatives to promote dialogue on philanthropy. If you haven’t done so already, please check out our new blog and let us know what you think. You can also follow us on Twitter.
• The Curtis Group is pleased to offer a new Job Posting section on our website. If you’re a development professional seeking employment in Hampton Roads, check our site for updates on local postings from AFP Hampton Roads, as well as Curtis Group client postings.
• Our marketing director, Wesley Stanley, will begin her maternity leave this Friday, September 11. While she’s out, please direct all marketing related inquiries to communications director Nancy Chapman at nancy@curtisgroupconsultants.com. For all other matters, please contact Jamie Stump, development coordinator, at jamie@curtisgroupconsultants.com. We wish Wesley the best of luck and look forward to having her back in November.

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